Gain Weight to Happy

A friend recently found out she was way below her ‘Happy Weight’, according Self Magazine’s Calculator, and wasn’t happy about it...

Just days before, I published a post about the skinny mini’s in Hollywood in need of beefing up for pregnancy...

And a few weeks earlier, my mom was telling me about a family friend who lost a significant amount of weight because of some [unknown] illness and was advised to gain some back. He ended up in the hospital because he took the advice by gorging himself with burgers and lasagna...

..Burgers and lasagna. Burp. Lots of lasagna, she said. Then hospital. Yikes! I’m thinking the trip to the hospital was likely to be more attributed to his underlying illness than the lasagna but still..

Most people probably think having to gain weight would be awesome because then they could eat whatever they want. Which is.. sort of true. But that's because everyone—losing, gaining, or maintaining weight— already can eat whatever they want. Whether that’s healthy or not is a different story.

How to lose weight—tips, tricks, advice, etc—is ubiquitous, no doubt.
But if you’re trying to gain weight, is it then just a free-for-all?
Plain and simply: no.

Just like losing weight, there are many ways to gain weight, but not all are necessarily healthy or to your advantage. If you’re in the minority and need to gain a few extra pounds, here’s some things to chew on:

First, consider seeing a doctor because low weight could be a sign of a serious underlying issue. If that’s not the case, onto the...

Cardinal Weight Principal-- start by really understanding this.
[Disclaimer: this is the first time I am sharing this on this blog but certainly won’t be the last.]

  It’s all about Calories IN vs. Calories OUT .

• If you eat more than what your body needs, then you’ll gain weight.

Vice versa is also true.

• If you eat less than what your body needs, then you’ll lose weight.


• If you eat just as much as your body needs, no more, no less, then you’ll maintain weight.

  **  Stop here if you have any questions about this principal. Drop me a comment below and I'll try to better clarify if need be. **

So, nutritionally, gaining weight is about upping the calories.

Note: Fat has the most calories (9) per gram; carbohydrates and protein have about half that (4) per gram. Point being, you won’t have to eat as much [volume] with higher fat foods. But remember, not all fats are equal. Skip the trans fat and minimize the saturated and animal fats.

And finally, the juicy...

Add snacks or small meals, but don’t graze—you’re not a cow nor do you want to become one.

Choose food that are not just calorically-dense but nutrient-dense as well. Like...

• Nuts [inc. nut butters] and seeds. Almond butter is a great alternate if you're bored of peanut butter; hummus goes great with pita or carrot sticks; ground flaxseed or wheat germ can be sprinkled over cereal or yogurt.


• Avocado. Guaca-guaca-guaca..


• Milk: Try the fat-free milk that's marketed as being creamy like lowfat milk-- it's just milk with less water in it but without the saturated fat.


• Yogurt: Greek yogurt is all the rage these days, it's like regular yogurt but thicker, add fresh berries for flavor and natural sweetness.


• Artisan bread: vs. commercial, artisan bread tends to be denser because they aren't laden with conditioners.


• Whole wheat pasta, brown rice: These starchy carbs are packed, literally, with energy [aka. calories].


• Bananas: The Elvis: bananas+pb = match made in heaven. Or try a banana milk shake: banana, milk, ice, brrrrrr all in a blender.


• Potatoes: Try the sweet [orange] kind for a vitamin A punch.


• Oats: oatmeal, granola (bars) for on the go grab 'ems.


• Shredded wheat: If it's too rough for you, try pouring hot-warm milk over it and let it sit for a few minutes, this softens it up great.


• Canola or olive oil: Try adding a tablespoon or two to soups, red sauce, or whatever else won't become noticeably oily.

What about supplements? ..real food is more ideal, but as a [short-term] temporary means, I suppose it’s not the end of the world. But remember to read labels!! Beware of unhealthy fats, excess sugar, and unpronounceable ingredients.

As for keeping fit..
Don’t be a couch potato!

• Cut down, not out, on the cardio: your heart and associated pipes still need upkeep.


• Lift weights: Bulk up with lean muscle, not just fat. Remember, too, muscle weighs more than fat.

Lastly, take it slow. Changing weight, whether gaining or losing, should be slow. Results will more likely be long lasting. Happy healthy gaining juicy!